Following Esteghlal’s 1-0 loss to Shams Azar on Monday, the Iranian club’s former star player has launched a scathing critique of head coach Pitso Mosimane, labeling him as the “main problem” at the club.
In a surprising and candid statement, the ex-Esteghlal player, who requested to remain anonymous, pointed to Mosimane’s tactics and leadership as the central reasons behind the team’s recent struggles. Esteghlal, one of Iran’s most successful football clubs, has seen a series of disappointing results under Mosimane, and the former player didn’t hold back in expressing his frustrations.
“The team is full of talented players, but we are not seeing any results,” the former Esteghlal star said in an exclusive interview. “The main issue is the coach, Pitso Mosimane. His tactics are not working, and he is not getting the best out of the players. His decisions in matches, like against Shams Azar, have been baffling, and it’s clear that the players are not responding well to his methods.”
Esteghlal’s defeat to Shams Azar was the latest in a string of disappointing performances that has left fans and pundits alike questioning Mosimane’s approach. Despite having a squad filled with experienced players, the club has struggled to find consistency under his leadership, and Monday’s loss marked another low point in what has been a turbulent season so far.
The former player further criticized Mosimane’s inability to adapt to the demands of Iranian football. “He came in with a certain mindset, but he has failed to adjust to the style of football that works here,” he explained. “The team needs a coach who understands the culture and the style of play in Iran, someone who can communicate and motivate the players effectively. Unfortunately, Mosimane has not done that.”
Esteghlal’s management has not publicly commented on the remarks, but the former player’s accusations have certainly added fuel to the fire in the ongoing debate about Mosimane’s future at the club. The South African coach, who is known for his success in Africa, especially during his time with Al Ahly, has faced increasing scrutiny in Iran. While his reputation as one of the continent’s most accomplished managers is well established, his tenure at Esteghlal has been far less successful, with growing frustration among supporters over the team’s poor form.
The 1-0 loss to Shams Azar left Esteghlal in a precarious position in the Persian Gulf Pro League, and questions regarding Mosimane’s long-term future with the club are likely to intensify in the coming days. Despite the criticism, Mosimane has remained publicly calm and focused on his task, insisting that he remains committed to turning the club’s fortunes around.
In the aftermath of the defeat, Mosimane took to social media to address the loss, stating: “This is football. There will be ups and downs. We must stay together as a team and work even harder to get the results we need. I believe in this squad, and we will fight to improve.”
Nevertheless, the comments from the former Esteghlal player have struck a chord with fans who are becoming increasingly disillusioned with the team’s performances. With the club’s ambitions of competing at the top of the league and in continental competitions hanging in the balance, it remains to be seen whether Mosimane will be able to weather this storm or if the club will be forced to make a managerial change.
As the pressure mounts, the coming weeks could prove pivotal in determining whether Mosimane can turn things around at Esteghlal or if the club will have to seek a new direction to reclaim its former glory.
